On the afternoon of December 12, the Gingerbread House competition took place in the Edison High cafeteria. Running from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., this event saw many competitors fighting to make the best gingerbread house within a limited time.
As president of the orchestra board, Aprant Sahoo ‘26 helped organize the event. “The purpose of the contest is to have more community engagement within EHS,” said Sahoo. “I feel that it is a great way to increase school spirit and host a fun competition at our school.”
Among rows of tables, competitors in groups of four used a variety of materials—graham crackers, sprinkles, gumdrops, icing, and assorted candies—to assemble and decorate their houses.
Students from all grades participated, with a variety of different designs. Some opted for more traditional gingerbread houses, while others attempted to create new, unconventional designs. To compete, competitors had to pay $20 per team. The money gathered from this event went to the general orchestra fund to support school instruments, equipment, and trips.
Within an hour and a half, competitors took the time to lay out the base, put icing on the graham crackers, assemble the crackers into a house, and finally, decorate the house using unique patterns, icing, colorful candy, gumdrops, and candy canes.
Many competitors enjoyed their overall experience of the competition, bonding with peers over a fun, innovative, and unique activity.
“Even though we didn’t win the competition, it was really fun bonding with my friends in a competition with low stakes,” said Krishna Das ‘29.
Out of the thirty teams that competed, Team 14—Anika Yadavalli ‘26, Saisaanvi Bothala ‘26, Ashrita Pocha ‘26, and Naimisha Kanamarlapudi ‘26—took home first place.
“I felt really happy and proud of my group for winning the contest. We planned out and drew our decorations beforehand, and even though we didn’t decorate exactly how we wanted to, I am really glad it turned out well,” said Pocha.
“I enjoyed how competitive every group was because it just added to the fun. The tense, competitive atmosphere was chaotic yet fun and exciting,” continued Pocha. “And, I loved how my group and I randomly thought of new and innovative details to add to our gingerbread house, which contributed to us working together really well.”
This competition, with its many competitors, marked a creative start to the Christmas season.